Thread: Should whiskers really be soft?

I tried the cold shave technique for a while, it definitely works but I didn't notice any difference in shave quality. I went back to hot water, which makes the experience more enjoyable for me. Now perhaps it might be different if I lived in Florida, Hawaii or Mexico, but I'd be hard pressed to totally convert to cold water shaving during a -30º C Canadian Winter day!

(with all due respect to my Canadian brothers, I don't know how you guys do it....)

Warm water heats the hair and makes it expand. When it starts to expand, it can absorb more water. Once hydrated and softer the hair is easier to cut. After the shave, the hair cools and contracts into the skin which gives the feel of a closed shave.
When using cold water, the hair stays taught, the hair does not expand and absorb much water. After the shave, the hair does not contract into the skin.

Hair, when hydrated becomes softer. Softer is easier to cut.


If you like cold, that is your prerogative. Everyone enjoys their own way but you can't argue with physics and science.

My 2 cents.

^ that may be true but if you can detect no noticeable difference in the end result between the two then science becomes a mute point in all practicality. As you say it boils down to what you like.

Bob

Originally Posted by Ryan82

I tried the cold shave technique for a while, it definitely works but I didn't notice any difference in shave quality. I went back to hot water, which makes the experience more enjoyable for me. Now perhaps it might be different if I lived in Florida, Hawaii or Mexico, but I'd be hard pressed to totally convert to cold water shaving during a -30º C Canadian Winter day!

(with all due respect to my Canadian brothers, I don't know how you guys do it....)

Hey - no problem - we usually don't get that much winter...certainly not like when I was a kid, last couple of years we've had some good winters! Guess I love that eye-opening shock with an ice cold splash on the face in the morning!!

Originally Posted by Ryan82

I tried the cold shave technique for a while, it definitely works but I didn't notice any difference in shave quality. I went back to hot water, which makes the experience more enjoyable for me. Now perhaps it might be different if I lived in Florida, Hawaii or Mexico, but I'd be hard pressed to totally convert to cold water shaving during a -30º C Canadian Winter day!

(with all due respect to my Canadian brothers, I don't know how you guys do it....)

Aw come on, you are letting the side down.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Aw come on, you are letting the side down.

LOL I do work partially outdoors, so when I get home after a Winter's day I want nothing to do with the cold.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Like Bill and Ace I read that same book you referenced and began the cold water shaving with little or no prep a few years ago. I've found it to work a treat and haven't had to look back. Like everything else in this hobby, YMMV.

Yep, I will always wonder how I developed the belief that hot water was required to achieve a close, comfortable shave. The first time I read "Shaving Made Easy" I completely overlooked the discussion on hot vs. cold. But it was such a strong belief that even after trying a cold (tap) water shave and getting great results, I went back to the hot stuff for another year. Early this year I needed to find a way to reduce my shaving time without rushing and the concept finally kicked in and took hold. For me it's a blessing to get it done in a reasonable time frame without sacrificing enjoyment. In fact, it makes it more enjoyable to be more efficient.

I don't push cold water shaving on anybody, but I do suggest trying it if someone has irritation with hot water or complains (like I did) that he would prefer using a straight every day if he had more time. Referencing pp. 50-52 of that book is my "secret weapon."

And Im sure the science of it has to take into account peoples skin and hair. Maybe some peoples hair reacts better to hot or cold. Etc. For it to be truly scientific you have to take everything into account. Genetics, skin sensitivity or lack of yada, yada , yada. Lather, type of brush, air temperature, how long it stays hot, (man my head hurts already). But its easier to just try both and see what works for you.

Originally Posted by Mvcrash

Warm water heats the hair and makes it expand.

Originally Posted by bill3152

how long it stays hot

Regardless of the temperature of the water you use, the hairs will always be the temperature of your skin within a matter of seconds. I think the water temperature mainly affects the skin (and perhaps the lather in a way): hot water makes your skin more sensitive.

I don't know anything about the physics of it, or if the hydrated hair, through hot water, retracts further into the pores once shaved ..... but according to the book a stiff whisker cuts more easily than a softened whisker. I don't know if this is correct either, but I do know that I like shaving with cold water better than hot.